Music fans ‘left in the dark’ over refunds for Southsea punk festival

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PUNK music fans are demanding their money back from organisers of a high-profile festival which had to be stopped halfway through because the promoter ran out of money.

Veteran punk rockers The Damned were one of a few big name acts due to perform at the four-day Punk By The Sea at South Parade Pier, in Southsea.

But two nights into the event – which was due to take place between June 14 and 17 – promoter Darin Cook pulled the plug because he didn’t have enough money to pay all the bands and stage staff.

Now people have been left in the dark about refunds. A four-day ticket cost £100 in advance and £120 on the door. Day tickets ranged from £10 to £40.

Keith Sandys, of Southsea, is trying to claim back the £100 he spent.

‘It’s such a shame because the first two nights were great – and then everything came crashing down,’ the 24-year-old said.

Some of the acts, including UK Subs and Sham 69, got together and performed at The Milton Arms, in Milton Road, Milton, after they found out the news through a statement posted online by the promoter. ‘No-one knows what is going on. It would be nice to know if I’ll ever get all of or even just a portion of my money back,’ said Mr Sandys.

Jamie Mace, manager of South Parade Pier, said: ‘We’ve received a few phone calls from people who are asking for their money back.

‘Unfortunately we were not responsible for the organisation of the festival so there’s nothing we can do. We were purely the suppliers of the venue and security.